iMac 24 M5 · 64GB
M5 · 64GB
MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB
M4 · 16GB · 2025
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, iMac 24 M5 · 64GB lands at 92 and MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick iMac 24 M5 · 64GB if…
- ✓M5 generation perf-per-watt leader
- ✓Larger unified memory ceiling
- ✓Improved ray-tracing iGPU
Pick MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
TieCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Battery life
iMac 24 M5 · 64GBUnplugged endurance for travel and campus
iMac 24 M5 · 64GB leads on battery (96 vs 82).
Portability
iMac 24 M5 · 64GBWeight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
iMac 24 M5 · 64GB leads on portability (90 vs 83).
Display
iMac 24 M5 · 64GBPanel quality for creative and media work
iMac 24 M5 · 64GB leads on display (92 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GBSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB more score per dollar ($1,099 vs $2,099).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | iMac 24 M5 · 64GB | MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M5 | — |
| RAM | ▲ 64GB | 16GB |
| Release year | 2025 | 2025 |
| OS | macOS 16 | — |
| CPU | — | M4 |
iMac 24 M5 · 64GB
- +M5 generation perf-per-watt leader
- +Larger unified memory ceiling
- +Improved ray-tracing iGPU
- −macOS-only
- −Memory non-upgradable
- −High-end configs expensive
MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: iMac 24 M5 · 64GB vs MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB
Which is better, iMac 24 M5 · 64GB or MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB? +
Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is iMac 24 M5 · 64GB worth the price? +
At $2,099, iMac 24 M5 · 64GB delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.
Is MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB worth the price? +
At $1,099, MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in cpu.
Does iMac 24 M5 · 64GB or MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for battery life, iMac 24 M5 · 64GB or MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB? +
iMac 24 M5 · 64GB — leads on battery (96 vs 82). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.
Which is better for portability, iMac 24 M5 · 64GB or MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB? +
iMac 24 M5 · 64GB — leads on portability (90 vs 83). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.